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WIW and help needed

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

This dress has survived countless purges. It always mystifies me. I never feel like I can get it quite right. It came with a skinny fabric self belt but I have replaced it with a chunkier tan leather belt. What do you think, should it stay or go?

Calypso St. Barth for Target dress, dv sandals, thrifted ferragamo belt. I am also wearing my gold bag (not shown) to echo the shoes, belt buckle and my watch.

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Urgent

21 replies

Latest reply was from

Mochi

Veteran

It's survived the purges because the color is gorgeous in and of itself, and extra remarkable on you. I have no advice, unfortunately, apart from maybe nipping it in around the waist, or general alterations to make it a tad more fitting to your body, but not sure you would find that worth it.

(eta that the waist itself is probably not too loose, but overall the fabric looks stiff and the dress thus appears a little baggy or boxy in the upper half? Also in the front stomach area. I wonder if a few darts here and there could make it just slightly more body hugging without being too tight. Hope some of the sewing pros here chime in with their astute eyes.)

merwoman

Veteran

No mystery there modgrl - that colour is so complementary to your hair and complexion. Sleeveless cut shows off your fab arms and ditto for the length with respect to your gams! And great neckline.
Problem seems to be the waist area - the belt you've chosen works - but could it be better?
How about trying a couple of narrow belts? I think what the problem might be is fabric bunching - so maybe a looser belt might help?

Diana

Veteran

The color and the overall shape are very flattering on you, Rita! I think maybe it is a little too big but you've done a good job of hiding that with the belt. I think it's lovely.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I really like the color, and it looks like a very lightweight, cool dress. I love your sandals!

I agree with Diana that it looks a tad too big around the middle, but the belt helps with it. Plus, it looks like the kind of dress that is meant to drape softly anyway. What is it like without the belt?

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

It is meant to be a bit drapey. It is pretty shapeless without the belt. I don't like the look on me.

cobaltblue

Veteran

For what it's worth, I think you look extra gorgeous in this. The dress highlights your lovely arms, and the color is great. I actually like the drapey midsection. It hints at your feminine shape without showing all. I like the length on you, too. But if you don't like it, there's no reason to wear or keep it.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, I'm not a fan of that silhouette on myself either. I think the way you've cinched it with the belt looks nice. It looks like a perfect summer dress, so I think you should keep it for now. If you feel like something is off about it, maybe keep an eye out for something to replace it during the summer sales?

Aziraphale

Veteran

I really like it. I vote keep! Certainly with that belt, it's got a nice shape on you.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Love the colour on you Rita and the length of the dress is perfect, as are the sleeves (you have lovely arms!). I see that the waist is a bit baggy due to the style, but with the belt, I like it. I think it's a lovely summer dress and worth keeping.

Jonesy

Veteran

I really love it on you, as-is. I think the belt does its job perfectly, and the color is just perfect on you.

catgirl

Veteran

I think it looks lovely. What's the fabric? If it's a lineny woven material then it might seem too big because it's not as drapey. If silkier then the volume seems more in tune with the look. But Iyou've done a great job here and it may be more an issue how it feels than how it looks to you.

Kiwichik

Veteran

As everyone has said the colour looks lovely on you and it works well with the tan belt.

Meredith1953

Veteran

I agree with others that the color is wonderful and I think with the belt you have given the dress more shape which looks really pretty on you. I like the tan belt but an animal print one might look really pretty also.

Lisa

Veteran

I like this outfit. Perfect for a hot summer day and the color is divine on you.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I think it's a lovely color and looks good! Una makes a good point about the fabric - does it feel like it is stiff or puckering/fighting the belt?

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

The fabric is a stiff woven cotton. It is good for a 100 degree day because it basically floats away from my body except where it is belted.

catgirl

Veteran

That makes sense and that could be why it is more bunchy/voluminous with the belt.

Do you need to belt it?

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

It's a shapeless sac without a belt. I do need to belt it, it totally doesn't work for my figure otherwise. I think it is meant to be belted this way - the boob darts are in the right place for me and it fits everywhere else. I think I am genuinely confused by woven cotton. It is a novelty for me.

catgirl

Veteran

Me too. I don't wear it except in very light soft form, like thrift store buttondown shirts. i am not good with fitted sheath dresses generally, or darts either.

Still, you've wrangled this dress into submission!

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Mochi nailed it! The color and shape are beautiful and you've made it special with your own touches. No purging on this one allowed.

Anonymous

Agree with everyone on the color- FAB.

Is the dress an over-the-head style or is there a zipper? If there is a zipper you could add two darts mid back like you see on fitted shirts. I have done that on dresses and tops to rein in excess bulk. I wouldn't stress to much over it though, 'cause it looks ok as is.